Three Local Organizations Receive Awards for Making Philadelphia More Livable Community

PHILADELPHIA, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This weekend at the Philadelphia Flower Show, AARP presented nearly $10,000 in awards to Ralston Center, People's Emergency Center and Congreso de Latinos Unidos based on their work in the field of livable communities in the greater Philadelphia area.

Focusing on three domains of transportation, housing, and civic engagement, AARP issued a call for award nominations from local community organizations who are working to improve the city of Philadelphia and quality of life for city residents and visitors.

"Philadelphia is a city deeply rooted in the history of our nation, as the birthplace to principles of freedom, liberty and a bright future," stated AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. "These historical principles are building blocks for the future and help Philadelphia become a more livable community where residents and visitors have the freedom to move around the city safely, have the liberty and independence to remain in their homes as they age, and can have a bright future connecting and engaging with others."

The AARP Livable Communities Network Award is presented to Ralston Center for their "Walk Age-Friendly Mantua" intergenerational community project in West Philadelphia.

"While celebrating our 200th anniversary of serving older Philadelphians, Ralston Center is proud to be recognized by AARP for our work in creating Livable Communities for older adults in West Philadelphia," said Joseph Lukach, Ralston Center's CEO. "Ralston Center's "Walk Age-Friendly Mantua" intergenerational community project is adding specially-designed and built benches and directional signs throughout the neighborhood that are age-friendly and benefit all age groups. We thank AARP for this opportunity and to our funders and partners in this project:  Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the William M. King Charitable Foundation, City Life Neighborhood Clinics, the Mantua Civic Association, Tiny WPA and The Traction Co."

Congreso de Latinos Unidos receives the AARP Livable Communities Network Award for their work in providing rich programming and case management services in North Philadelphia.

"We are very honored to be one of the recipients of the AARP Livable Communities Award. The current programming and case management services for our seniors at Congreso has proven to be impactful, engaging, and exciting for all of our senior clients. We are thrilled to now have AARP as a partner to help us deepen these services and increase our impact as a recipient of the Livable Communities Award. Thank you to AARP for the recognition and support," said new CEO Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio, Esq.

An award is also presented to People's Emergency Center for its Community Connectors initiative, which provides multi-generation volunteer opportunities to improve West Philadelphia neighborhoods.

"We're grateful to AARP for their support of PEC's programming that engages the senior community of West Philadelphia.  Our Senior Community Connectors especially are some of our most respected and impactful leaders."  James Wright, Director of Community, Economic and Real Estate Development, People's Emergency Center.

To learn more about livable communities, visit www.aarp.org/livable.
To learn more about People's Emergency Center, visit www.pec-cares.org.  
To learn more about Ralston Center, visit www.ralstoncenter.org.
To learn more about Congreso de Latinos Unidos, visit www.congreso.net.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is held annually and attracts over 250,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Philadelphia Flower Show, a top destination and "must experience" horticultural event, is a showcase of excellence that dates back to 1829.

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

CONTACT: Jacklyn Isasi
(609) 902-6242, jisasi@aarp.org

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania